It is stated in a Tibetan legendary tradition that the Buddhism of Tibet is created by Lha Thothori Nyantsen who was the 28th king of Tibet. After Lha Thothori Nyantsen, there was another ruler called Songtsan Gampo, who was interested in Buddhism as much as the preceding one. He married Buddhist women from different countries and officially introduced the concept of the religion to Tibet. After Gampo, Trisong Detsen became the king, and established one of the early schools and philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout time, the first ones established by Detsen were followed by the establishment of many other system philosophies, influencing many central Asian countries around Tibet, such as Mongolia and Manchuria. After its development in Tibet in the 7th century CE, it became known as the "Diamond Vehicle." It amalgamates the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Its Boddhisatvas include Lama, such as the Dalai Lama. Ever since its development, it made heavy emphasis on the idea of virtue.
The 4 Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
The belief structure of Tibetan Buddhism is based on the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 4 schools are Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Geluk. Each of the schools has its unique characteristics, history, and qualities.
Nyingma
Nyingma is the oldest of the 4 schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It was introduced during the Yarlong Dynasty during the eighth and ninth century. One of the first teachers of Nyingma is Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.
Kagyu
Kagyu was introduced during late 10th century. There are 6 types of Kagyu. There are many unique characteristics that Kagyu has. When one masters Kagyu, one clears all the defects in mind and transmits all the teachings to the next generation.
The word “Sakya” means the “Grey Earth”. Sakya was originated during the eleventh century. Since its origin, Sakya has been taught and associated by the Khon family. The belief was built by Khon Konchok Gyalpo.
Gelug
The word “Gelug” means the “Way of Virtue”. Gelug is a combined study of all the other three schools, Indian Buddhism, and other philosophical Buddhism heritage. It has been taught by the Gyalwa family, and the first one to find this belief was Gyalwa Tsongkhapa. Gyalwa Gedun Drupa, who was also from the Gyalwa family of Gelug, became the first Dalai Lama.
Symbols
One major aspect of Tibetan Buddhism is the idea of symbolism. In the predominance tantra, they had a steadfast belief of the tradition of symbolism. There were different symbols to represent different ideas.
Kalachakra
The first one was the Kalachakra "Tenfold Powerful" Logo. This logo is a eclectic symbol mainly representing the teachings of the Kalachakra tantra, one of the most complex tantric system. It was derived from Tibet, and is a schematic representation of letters in the Lantsa script. It refers to the outer world as well as the human body at its gross and subtle levels, and most importantly: the practices of Kalachakra.
Prayer Flags
Another form of symbolism were prayer flags. Prayer flags decorated monasteries, houses and mountain passes, and was believed that the special blessing power of the mantras printed on them would spread all over the world by the wind blowing through them. The tradition stems from the pre-Buddhist traditions in Tibet. On these prayer flags, are printed combinations of mantras, special prayers, and auspicious symbols. They are hung on ropes and those ropes are hung between two poles. They mainly consisted of five different colours: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. Each colour represents the sky, clouds, fire, water, and earth respectively.
Wind Horses
Wind Horses are mythical Tibetan creatures from the pre-Buddhist times, known to combine the speed of wind and the strength of the horse to carry prayers from the earth to the heavens. A Wind Horse carrying the "Wish Fulfilling Jewel of Enlightenment" was the most prevalent symbol used on prayer flags, as it gave the meaning of good fortune, uplifting life force energies, and opportunities that resulted in happiness. An affiliated belief with the Wind Horse was the lung-ta. When the lung-ta was low, obstacles were to constantly rising and the Wind Horse was known for raising the lung-ta to clear those obstacles.
Prayer Wheels
Prayer Wheels were amalgamations of the mantras, similar to the flags, and was believed teach the people the power of the mantras by spreading it when the wheel was turned (since the more mantras, the better). These prayer wheels were also referred to as the Mani Wheels.
Three Symobls of Victory against DIsharmony
Another form of symbols included the Three Symbols of Victory against Disharmony. This symbol pairs six traditional enemies together—the Garuda and the snow lion, the otter and the fish, and the crocodile (the sea monster) and the sea snail. This is seen as "The Union of Opposites" as it joined rival pairs of animals to create a symbolism of harmony. If one were to put on the Victory Banners, they would be reconciled of disharmony and disagreement.
The Four Dignities
A major form of symbols included the Four Dignities. The first one was the Dragon. It was known to thunder through the sky with the sound of compassion as it awoke us from delusions. They were believed to have the power to complete communication. They used the power of sound to augment our compassion. Just as we do not see sound, we were not able to see the Dragon. Displaying the dragon was to protect one from slander and enhance one's reputation. Its associations include its main quality being power, dominance over the sea, and was focused on the water element.
The second dignity is the Tiger. The Tiger abides in the South and represents unconditional confidence and disciplined awareness. It also represents a sign of kindness and modesty. The tiger is relaxed yet energized. It rests in a gentile state of being that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, which refers to the state of enlightenment. Its main associations include the main quality of confidence, dominates the forest and revolves around the air element.
The third dignity is the Snow Lion. The Snow Lion resides in the East and represents unconditional cheerfulness and a mind free of doubt. It emphasizes the importance of being lucid and concise. The Snow Lion is formulated of beauty and dignity from a body and mind that are synchronized. Snow Lions have a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and natural sense of delight. Sometimes, the throne of Buddha is portrayed with the eight Snow Lions on it. These eight Snow Lions represent the Bodhisattva-disciples of Buddha Shakaymuni (the historical Buddha). Its main associations include fearlessness, dominance over the mountains, and revolves around the earth element.
The last, but not least dignity is the Garuda. The Grauda is a daring and fearless creature that abides in the north. It soars beyond without holding back and symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears, vast minds without reference points, and serves as an antidote for negative influences of the Nagas (spirits), which can cause diseases and all ilk of harm. Its associations include wisdom, dominance over the sky and revolves around the fire element.
Works Cited
. Tibetan Buddhism-1. N.d. 3 Types of Buddhism, Tibet. Dalai Lama. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. Ganapati - Red (12 hands)/ Tibet, Gelug lineage, 17th century. N.d. Multivalent Lord Ganesha In Buddhist and Tantric Art, Tibet. souljerky. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. 3 3 Sakya Lamas. N.d. Introduction-The Origins of Buddhist Art, Tibet. Buddhist Door. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
Weber, Andy. Symbols of Universal Love by Andy Weber. N.d. THE THREE SYMBOLS OF VICTORY AGAINST DISHARMONY , Tibet. A View on Buddhism. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
Brief History
It is stated in a Tibetan legendary tradition that the Buddhism of Tibet is created by Lha Thothori Nyantsen who was the 28th king of Tibet. After Lha Thothori Nyantsen, there was another ruler called Songtsan Gampo, who was interested in Buddhism as much as the preceding one. He married Buddhist women from different countries and officially introduced the concept of the religion to Tibet. After Gampo, Trisong Detsen became the king, and established one of the early schools and philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout time, the first ones established by Detsen were followed by the establishment of many other system philosophies, influencing many central Asian countries around Tibet, such as Mongolia and Manchuria. After its development in Tibet in the 7th century CE, it became known as the "Diamond Vehicle." It amalgamates the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Its Boddhisatvas include Lama, such as the Dalai Lama. Ever since its development, it made heavy emphasis on the idea of virtue.
The 4 Schools of Tibetan Buddhism
The belief structure of Tibetan Buddhism is based on the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The 4 schools are Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Geluk. Each of the schools has its unique characteristics, history, and qualities.
Nyingma
Nyingma is the oldest of the 4 schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It was introduced during the Yarlong Dynasty during the eighth and ninth century. One of the first teachers of Nyingma is Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.
Kagyu
Kagyu was introduced during late 10th century. There are 6 types of Kagyu. There are many unique characteristics that Kagyu has. When one masters Kagyu, one clears all the defects in mind and transmits all the teachings to the next generation.
The lineage of Kagyu.
Siddha Tilopa - Siddha Naropa - Marpa - Milarepa - Dagpo Lharje Gampopa
Baram Kagyu (Baram Darma Wangchuk), Tsalpa Kagyu (Zhang Yudakpa Tsondu Dakpa) Drikung Kagtu (Jigten Sumgon), etc....
Sakya
The word “Sakya” means the “Grey Earth”. Sakya was originated during the eleventh century. Since its origin, Sakya has been taught and associated by the Khon family. The belief was built by Khon Konchok Gyalpo.
Gelug
The word “Gelug” means the “Way of Virtue”. Gelug is a combined study of all the other three schools, Indian Buddhism, and other philosophical Buddhism heritage. It has been taught by the Gyalwa family, and the first one to find this belief was Gyalwa Tsongkhapa. Gyalwa Gedun Drupa, who was also from the Gyalwa family of Gelug, became the first Dalai Lama.
Symbols
One major aspect of Tibetan Buddhism is the idea of symbolism. In the predominance tantra, they had a steadfast belief of the tradition of symbolism. There were different symbols to represent different ideas.
Kalachakra
The first one was the Kalachakra "Tenfold Powerful" Logo. This logo is a eclectic symbol mainly representing the teachings of the Kalachakra tantra, one of the most complex tantric system. It was derived from Tibet, and is a schematic representation of letters in the Lantsa script. It refers to the outer world as well as the human body at its gross and subtle levels, and most importantly: the practices of Kalachakra.
Prayer Flags
Another form of symbolism were prayer flags. Prayer flags decorated monasteries, houses and mountain passes, and was believed that the special blessing power of the mantras printed on them would spread all over the world by the wind blowing through them. The tradition stems from the pre-Buddhist traditions in Tibet. On these prayer flags, are printed combinations of mantras, special prayers, and auspicious symbols. They are hung on ropes and those ropes are hung between two poles. They mainly consisted of five different colours: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. Each colour represents the sky, clouds, fire, water, and earth respectively.
Wind Horses
Wind Horses are mythical Tibetan creatures from the pre-Buddhist times, known to combine the speed of wind and the strength of the horse to carry prayers from the earth to the heavens. A Wind Horse carrying the "Wish Fulfilling Jewel of Enlightenment" was the most prevalent symbol used on prayer flags, as it gave the meaning of good fortune, uplifting life force energies, and opportunities that resulted in happiness. An affiliated belief with the Wind Horse was the lung-ta. When the lung-ta was low, obstacles were to constantly rising and the Wind Horse was known for raising the lung-ta to clear those obstacles.
Prayer Wheels
Prayer Wheels were amalgamations of the mantras, similar to the flags, and was believed teach the people the power of the mantras by spreading it when the wheel was turned (since the more mantras, the better). These prayer wheels were also referred to as the Mani Wheels.
Three Symobls of Victory against DIsharmony
Another form of symbols included the Three Symbols of Victory against Disharmony. This symbol pairs six traditional enemies together—the Garuda and the snow lion, the otter and the fish, and the crocodile (the sea monster) and the sea snail. This is seen as "The Union of Opposites" as it joined rival pairs of animals to create a symbolism of harmony. If one were to put on the Victory Banners, they would be reconciled of disharmony and disagreement.
The Four Dignities
A major form of symbols included the Four Dignities. The first one was the Dragon. It was known to thunder through the sky with the sound of compassion as it awoke us from delusions. They were believed to have the power to complete communication. They used the power of sound to augment our compassion. Just as we do not see sound, we were not able to see the Dragon. Displaying the dragon was to protect one from slander and enhance one's reputation. Its associations include its main quality being power, dominance over the sea, and was focused on the water element.
The second dignity is the Tiger. The Tiger abides in the South and represents unconditional confidence and disciplined awareness. It also represents a sign of kindness and modesty. The tiger is relaxed yet energized. It rests in a gentile state of being that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, which refers to the state of enlightenment. Its main associations include the main quality of confidence, dominates the forest and revolves around the air element.
The third dignity is the Snow Lion. The Snow Lion resides in the East and represents unconditional cheerfulness and a mind free of doubt. It emphasizes the importance of being lucid and concise. The Snow Lion is formulated of beauty and dignity from a body and mind that are synchronized. Snow Lions have a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and natural sense of delight. Sometimes, the throne of Buddha is portrayed with the eight Snow Lions on it. These eight Snow Lions represent the Bodhisattva-disciples of Buddha Shakaymuni (the historical Buddha). Its main associations include fearlessness, dominance over the mountains, and revolves around the earth element.
The last, but not least dignity is the Garuda. The Grauda is a daring and fearless creature that abides in the north. It soars beyond without holding back and symbolizes freedom from hopes and fears, vast minds without reference points, and serves as an antidote for negative influences of the Nagas (spirits), which can cause diseases and all ilk of harm. Its associations include wisdom, dominance over the sky and revolves around the fire element.
Works Cited
. Tibetan Buddhism-1. N.d. 3 Types of Buddhism, Tibet. Dalai Lama. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. Ganapati - Red (12 hands)/ Tibet, Gelug lineage, 17th century. N.d. Multivalent Lord Ganesha In Buddhist and Tantric Art, Tibet. souljerky. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. 3 3 Sakya Lamas. N.d. Introduction-The Origins of Buddhist Art, Tibet. Buddhist Door. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. 02-karma-kagyu-merit-field-_godyouareSpania World. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. Dragon, Tiger, Snowlion, Garuda. N.d. THE FOUR DIGNITIES , Tibet. A View on Buddhism . Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. mandala/ Yab Yum (Tibetan Buddhist symbol of cosmic wholeness). N.d. mandalas, .. mandalas. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. Prayerflags in Tibet, Wind Horse prayer flag, Hand-held Prayer Wheel. N.d. PRAYER FLAGS, MANI WHEELS AND MANI STONES , Tibet. A View on Buddhism . Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. 10-fold powerful one, courtesy www.kalachakra-graz. N.d. THE KALACHAKRA 'TENFOLD POWERFUL' LOGO , Tibet. A View on Buddhism . Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
. tibetan_buddhism. N.d. Tibet, Tibet. Religion Tour of China. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
"Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism." View on Buddhism: (Tibetan) Buddhist practice and philosophy. N.p., 6 Feb. 2011. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <http://viewonbuddhism.org/symbols_tibet_buddhism.htm>.
Weber, Andy. Symbols of Universal Love by Andy Weber. N.d. THE THREE SYMBOLS OF VICTORY AGAINST DISHARMONY , Tibet. A View on Buddhism. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
Wonderlane. 2076174742_c852f4ee64. N.d. Zephr Throne, Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism, Tharlam Monastery, Boudha, Nepal , Tibet. Flikr. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.
"Lhasa Tibet details." Imagine Tours - Affordable Cycling Adventures. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <http://www.imaginetours.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=53>.
"Tibetan Buddhism." www.churchward.com Index. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.churchward.com/rel.html>.
sems, ang-chhub. "Tibetan Buddhism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Buddhism>.